Choi's Restaurant — Restaurant in College Station

Went to Choi’s around 11:30am because I was craving bulgogi, and ordered a dish of one of the variants(maybe I didn’t realize I ordered a really spicy one, which was fine in and of itself). But also the meat was kind of watery…which I only point out because I was hoping for a sweet flavored grilled version when I went but maybe it was the nature of the dish that didn’t sit well with me. The food was really hot which was great, but the bulgogi was very spicy and it wasn’t too pleasant because of that personally speaking. I’d say I probably just ordered a dish that wasn’t for me at the end of the day, but I’ve had better experiences with tastier bulgogi.

However, the main problem was my waitress(the cashier lady), as she never came by to fill my drink or ask how the food was , which I complain about because I went through my water cup quicker than I could eat the dish because of how spicy the food was, which in hindsight was a primary reason the spicy bulgogi was so unpleasant to eat. I only point this out because I was the only customer in the restaurant at the time and it baffles me how she could overlook a customer suffering to work through such a dish. Like I was literally sweating and roughing it out the whole time trying to finish the dish without water to wash down the spiciness . So overall, my experience wasn’t too pleasant in that regard and is why I didn’t rate this restaurant too high. The customer service and attention to customers could use some work. I’d say the food was fine, but if I come again I’ll try to order a different dish that isn’t spicy.

Below is a picture of what I ordered. Personally, I Won’t be ordering this again since it wasn’t pleasant for me but maybe it is someone else’s favorite. However, I’d be willing to try another dish that isn’t spicy to change what my first time experience at Choi’s...

I understand the frustration behind many of these bad reviews. Is it weird for a Korean restaurant not to provide side dishes while you wait? Sure. Is it weird to sometimes not get your water for a half hour while the owners get lost between the telephone and the kitchen? Sure. Is it weird that the food takes no less than forty minutes to come out? Sure. HOWEvER… In my second year of living in BCS, this place has become a staple. It’s not just that their prices seem absurdly low. After all, for me, these prices are how I explain to myself their lack of renovation or ability to maintain the help they clearly need. The food is where it counts for me, and I keep coming back because I can tell the owners have prioritized the quality of their food over other aspects of restaurant culture that a lot of us have come to expect. I don’t personally benefit from their meal plan or Aggie plate options because I’m used to paying 20% more for this amount and quality of food. (Plus, I’m embarrassed to say how much money I’ve wasted in this town in fancier-looking establishments with mediocre steaks). If the walls are grungy because they can’t afford to close for the week, if the food is slow because it’s just the two owners in the kitchen trying to do everything themselves (but getting the food abso-effing-lutely right every time), I’m okay with it. I will bring a book or, better yet, a friend. This place is literally a mom and pop establishment, and the owners are clearly trying to provide a service to a student community. I may not be part of that community, but I’m grateful that there is a place in town I can go to when I just miss the traditional tang of kimchi or my partner has yet another craving for a good old...

This should be called "Flavors of Korea"! I walked in and immediately smelled and felt the air of Korea... if you've ever been in a Korean house where they have a rice cooker going 24/7, you know what i mean. I tried the grilled bulgogi and japchae... and oh... the flavors! So. Much. Flavor. Exactly what i was craving! Just the right flavors soaked into each dish, the pan chan was fresh and delicious, with some nice heat on the kimchee! The grilled bulgogi definitely had that grill flavor though and through! Makes you want to lick the dish clean! This place knows how to cook authentic Korean! Was slightly disappointed though that the rice wasn't as dense and sticky like i thought it would be. But that was the least of my thoughts... everything else made up for it by leaps and bounds. AND, they serve the traditional cinnamon drink after the meal! This is the full package! Thank you for a delicious experience! Will...